Twelve tertiary students begin transformative leadership journey with KTF

As the sun set over Port Moresby on Friday evening, KTF celebrated the dawn of exciting pathways for a new generation of exceptional young leaders. Now in its fifteenth year, the Archer Leadership Development Program simultaneously graduated the 2024 Archer Leaders and ushered in the next cohort of final year tertiary students undertaking the program.

Selected from almost 400 applicants, twelve young women and men are embarking on a 12-month experiential leadership journey that will challenge them beyond their wildest expectations, while fostering their confidence, networks, adaptive skills, resources and support systems. The program offers adaptive leadership workshops, work experience with industry-leading organisations, professional mentoring partnerships, support for tuition fees and resources and assistance in implementing community projects. It also includes a once-in-a-lifetime exchange to Australia.

Hosted by members of the 100+ strong Archer alumni, Courtneyalla Dotson and Nelson Kokoa, the 2024 Archer Leaders were congratulated on their graduation by the Honorable Gary Juffa MP, Governor of Oro Province.

In welcoming the newest alumni members, Governor Juffa encouraged graduates to stay the course, encouraging them not only to consider corporate, private sector or community pathways, but to also contemplate a future in politics, given their firm commitment to social justice.

The 2025 Archer Leaders were announced after an intensive selection process, chosen from 28 shortlisted candidates after two days of interviews with a panel of esteemed judges. The final twelve participants, hailing from diverse backgrounds and tertiary institutions, share a common passion for driving positive social change.

  •  Brenth Karol (Mechanical Engineering, Unitech)

  •  Cash Mekere (Law, UPNG)

  •  Charles Edward Sorman (Applied Economics, Unitech)

  •  Jodie Pelis (Mechanical Engineering, Unitech)

  •  Kylie Margaret Sabarei (Law, UPNG)

  •  Lovanchor Dotson (Tourism Hospitality Management, UPNG)

  •  Miranda Rea (Law, UPNG)

  •  Penny Unobo (Science, PAU)

  •  Puka Vele (Science, PAU)

  •  Robert Raia (Accounting & Management, PAU)

  •  Sasa PERO (Civil Engineering, Unitech)

  •  Wornley Kidoro (Accounting, DWU)

In celebrating the graduating and incoming Archers, KTF CEO Dr Genevieve Nelson shared that “each year, we see our Archer alumni go on to make a real difference - strengthening communities, shaping policy, and challenging the status quo. Tonight, we celebrate their journeys and welcome the next cohort of leaders who will continue this legacy.” 

Over its fifteen years of operation, the program has developed a strong supporter base reflected at the event, In addition to Governor Juffa, special guests included His Excellency John Feakes, Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Her Excellency Anne Macro, British High Commissioner to PNG and Dame Carol Kidu AO. Representatives from our long-time supporters of the Archer Leadership Program, including Newmont Corporation’s Director of Government Relations Joshua Kais, and Roppe Uyassi, Kina Bank Chief Operations Officer, congratulated the 2025 cohort. 

Made possible by the generous support of the Fred P Archer Trust, through Perpetual Trustees, Newmont and Kina Bank, the Archer Leadership Development Program has built an incredible network of leaders - young people who are bold, passionate, and committed to driving change in their communities. The Archers advocate for social justice, lead with resilience, and foster a brighter future for Papua New Guinea.

Cherry O'Brien